To know Paige was one of my greatest privileges and joys in this life. Every time I saw her, I grinned at her dark beautiful eyes sparkling with mystery and joy. She brought an instant warmth and glow as her smile spread across her sweet face. She lived life large, creatively, but most importantly, with a deep well of compassion towards all those around her, both people and animals. I had the blessing of watching Paige grow up. How could so much life and love come from this little beautiful blonde-haired girl? At every age, every stage, even when walking through deep trials of her own, life and love flowed from her abundantly.
Paige has been known as an “animal whisperer” her whole life. She’s cared for dogs, bunnies, cats, ducklings, and the list goes on! Even more than that, she cared deeply for those she loved, building beautiful relationships that were life giving. Paige had a passion for using her giftings to love on and help other people. Alongside her family, Paige was an active participant in pet therapy events in the local schools and nursing homes. I’m not sure who brought more joy, her, or the animals. When she was twelve, we surprised her for her birthday and I passed her through as a jr. therapy dog handler with her yellow lab, Maggie. I’ll never forget the joy and pride on her face that day. As she grew up, she continued to learn and grow, finding joy in, and learning how to be a veterinary technician through Limerick Veterinary Hospital. She loved her time and relationships there as they did her.
At the age of fourteen, Paige started her journey of battling through many complicated and difficult auto immune disorders. She endured countless ER trips, hospital stays, and difficult stretches of life. Despite that, joy, love, and life shone out of Paige at every turn. Her focus and care continued to stay on others despite her own difficulties. She took great joy from caring for her own menagerie of animals including her dog, cat, family pets, and ducks.
As an honor to Paige’s life, we would like to financially assist Wags 4 Kids, a non-profit organization, using inmates paired with trainers, to provide service dogs for children in need. Just as Paige suffered physically yet chose joy at the same time, there are many sweet children out there doing the same. They are fighting to find the courage and strength to live life each day, yet maintain hope and joy. In honor of Paige, we would like to provide love and hope to a child in need through the paws and heart of a service dog, supplying independence, companionship, and healing.
Paige Alyssa Gaal, you are loved more than you will ever know. Your light continues to shine brighter than the stars. You will never be forgotten, and your impact forever stamped on our hearts.
All Online Donations Made By Clicking Above Are Automatically Directed to "Paws for Paige".
OR
You can also mail a check or money order to:
W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, 112 East Center Street, Berea, OH 44017
Please make a memo that your donation is for Paige